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Natural Ventilation and Green Walls Enhance Community Living in Pigmented Concrete Structure

Authors:
Radomír Paulus, Ben Daniels
Natural Ventilation and Green Walls Enhance Community Living in Pigmented Concrete Structure

Project in-detail

Built with pigmented concrete and enhanced by green walls, the design integrates natural ventilation and modular living spaces to support community engagement in a senior residential environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrated green walls provide biodiversity while enhancing air quality throughout the living spaces.
02
Modular unit designs allow for flexible living arrangements tailored to individual resident needs.
03
Pigmented concrete exterior promotes durability and aesthetic warmth in the surrounding environment.
04
Natural ventilation strategies optimize indoor climate control, reducing reliance on mechanical systems.
05
Central courtyard encourages social interaction and fosters a sense of community among residents.
The Village House is an architectural project that integrates independent living spaces with essential services tailored for retirement communities. Located in a rural setting, the design reflects a comprehensive approach that prioritizes social interaction, accessibility, and sustainability. By redefining traditional village structures, this project aims to enhance the quality of life for its residents, offering a balance between autonomy and community support.

Innovative Community Integration

The key feature of the Village House is its layout, which revolves around a central courtyard that promotes communal activities while providing a clear distinction between public and private areas. The design strategically positions residential units around shared facilities, including recreational spaces, health services, and social rooms. This configuration encourages social engagement among residents, fostering a sense of belonging while ensuring easy access to necessary amenities.

The architectural approach emphasizes sustainability through the use of environmentally conscious materials. Pigmented concrete forms the primary structural element, delivering durability while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the public spaces. Expansive glass facades facilitate natural light, connecting indoor areas with the surrounding landscape, thereby encouraging outdoor interaction and promoting well-being.

Adaptive Residential Units

The Village House employs a modular design for its residential units, providing flexibility in space utilization. This adaptability allows residents to select configurations that suit their personal preferences and needs, whether one-bedroom or two-bedroom layouts. The design ensures that each unit maintains privacy while remaining connected to communal spaces, reflecting a harmonious balance between solitude and community living.

Unique features include green walls and terrace gardens that integrate vegetation into the architectural framework. This design choice not only improves air quality but also enhances the aesthetic character of the building. The interaction between built form and natural elements fosters a productive ecosystem within the project, setting it apart from conventional retirement housing designs.

Functional Design and User Experience

Architecturally, the Village House prioritizes natural ventilation and airflow by utilizing an elevated building form. This feature enhances indoor air quality and promotes thermal comfort for residents. The layout is oriented to maximize daylight access while maintaining unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape. Balconies fitted with greenery offer opportunities for residents to engage with outdoor spaces, connecting them further to their environment.

In summary, the Village House represents a thoughtful approach to architecture that merges functional living with community engagement, prioritizing both independence and support for retirees. The integration of sustainable practices and an adaptive design creates a model for contemporary retirement living.

Explore the project presentation to gain further insights into the architectural plans, sections, designs, and innovative ideas that shape the Village House project. Review the specific elements that contribute to its unique standing in the realm of retirement community architecture.
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Enter an open architecture
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Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

Microhome

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € PRIZE FUND / KINGPSAN EDITION #10 IDEAS COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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